Set of pads for an orthonyxic device and method for setting up such a device

Abstract

The invention mainly relates to a set of pads for an orthonyxic device, which set comprises a first attachment pad (2a, 2b) and a second attachment pad (3a, 3b), each attachment pad (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) comprising an attachment face (4) for attaching to the upper free surface of a nail from which a lateral retaining wall (7) for retaining at least one elastically deformable straightening rod extends, characterised in that the lateral retaining wall (7) of each of the pads (2, 3) comprises at least two openings (10, 11), each opening (10, 11) being intended to receive the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Set of studs for an orthonyxia device and method of installing such a device. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention falls within the field of orthonyxia devices.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a set of studs for a non-invasive orthonyxia device intended for straightening ingrown nails. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0003] Orthonyxia devices are used to straighten deformed and ingrown nails. As is well known, the first orthonyxia devices were elastically deformable staples with hook-shaped ends. To straighten a nail with such a device, the staple is deformed and hooked onto the opposite lateral edges of the nail to be straightened. This staple therefore exerts a straightening force that tends to increase the curvature of the nail to allow it to be straightened and disembodied.

[0004] Although effective, these staples are quite invasive and can cause pain and even infection.

[0005] Patent publication FR 2,939,638 discloses an orthonyxia device which comprises a straightening arm whose function is identical to that of a straightening clip, but whose ends are connected to studs glued to the free upper surface of the nail. More precisely, one of the ends of this arm is secured to a first stud, while the opposite end is slidably connected to a second stud. Such a device is therefore less invasive and better tolerated.

[0006] However, the studs of the device must necessarily occupy a minimal space on the upper surface of the nail to allow the straightening arm to exert a lever arm on the nail at the studs. These studs are therefore not suitable for all nails. Such a device is therefore also not suitable for all nails. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention thus aims to propose a set of studs for an orthonyxia device, simple to install, which adapts to all types of nails and which allows the orthonyxia device to be universal. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a set of studs for an orthonyxia device, which set comprises a first fixing stud and a second fixing stud, each fixing stud comprising a fixing face on the upper free surface of a nail from which extends a side wall for holding at least one elastically deformable straightening rod, which side wall for holding each of the studs comprises at least two orifices, each orifice being intended to receive the corresponding straightening rod.

[0009] The set of pads of the invention may also include the following optional characteristics considered in isolation or according to all possible technical combinations: The assembly has at least two pairs of orifices respectively intended to hold two straightening rods in position, each pair of orifices being composed of one of the orifices formed in the side wall holding the first stud and one of the orifices formed in the side wall holding the second stud, the two orifices of each pair of orifices being located opposite each other when the side walls holding the first and second studs of the assembly are opposite each other. At least one of the two orifices of at least one pair of orifices is through, forming a sliding connection means with the corresponding straightening rod. At least one of the two orifices of each pair of orifices is through. Each first stud comprises two blind orifices forming a means for blocking a free end of each of the two straightening rods, and in that each second stud comprises two through orifices. The first and second studs are identical and each comprise a through hole and a blind hole forming a means for blocking a free end of the corresponding straightening rod. The mounting face of each stud is corrugated and / or textured. The distance between the holes in each stud is less than 1 millimeter. The length of each plot is between 3 and 5, and the width of each plot is between 2 and 4.

[0010] The invention also relates to an orthonyxia device comprising a first fixing stud and a second fixing stud of the set of studs as described previously, and at least one elastically deformable straightening rod which extends from one of the orifices of the first stud to one of the orifices of the second stud.

[0011] The orthonyxia device may also include the following optional features considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: The assembly of studs has at least two pairs of orifices, each pair of orifices being composed of one of the orifices formed in the holding side wall of the first stud and one of the orifices formed in the holding side wall of the second stud, the two orifices of each pair of orifices being located opposite each other when the holding side walls of the first and second studs of the assembly are opposite each other, and in that the straightening rod extends between the two orifices opposite one of the pairs of orifices. The device includes a second elastically deformable straightening rod extending between the two orifices of the other pair of orifices. At least one of the two orifices of at least one pair of orifices is through, forming a sliding connection means with the corresponding straightening rod. At least one of the two holes in each pair of holes is through. Each first stud comprises two blind orifices forming a means for blocking a free end of each of the straightening rods, and in that each second stud comprises two through orifices. The first and second studs are identical and each comprise a through hole and a blind hole forming a means for blocking a free end of the corresponding straightening rod. The diameter of each hole in the fixing studs is greater than the diameter of the rods. Each straightening rod is metallic, preferably titanium.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method of installing an orthonyxia device as described above on a curved surface, which method comprises the successive steps of: • Bonding the first pad to the upper surface of a nail at a first lateral edge of said nail and the second pad to the opposite lateral edge of the nail, the two pads forming a set of pads which has two pairs of orifices, each pair of orifices being composed of a through orifice formed in the lateral holding wall of one of the pads and a blind orifice formed in the lateral holding wall of the opposite pad, the two orifices of each pair being opposite; • Installation of a straightening rod by passing said rod through the through hole of one of the studs to the blind hole opposite the opposite stud.

[0013] The method may also include the following optional characteristics considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: The method comprises an additional step of placing a second straightening rod by passing said rod through the through hole of one of the pads to the blind hole opposite the opposite pad. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

[0015] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a fixing stud of the orthonyxia device of the invention;

[0016] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents a front view of a set of studs of the orthonyxia device according to a first embodiment;

[0017] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents a front view of a set of studs of the orthonyxia device according to a second embodiment;

[0018] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents a top view of the orthonyxia device according to the first embodiment;

[0019] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents a top view of the orthonyxia device according to the second embodiment;

[0020] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows the orthonyxia device of the invention installed on a nail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] It is first of all specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can be easily found by referring to another figure.

[0022] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent two embodiments of the subject of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0023] The present invention relates to an orthonyxia device 15a, 15b whose function is to straighten ingrown nails 6 by exerting a straightening force on the nail 6, which tends to increase the radius of curvature of said nail 6. In the remainder of the description, the orthonyxia device 15a, 15b will simply be called “the device”.

[0024] With reference to the figures, the device 15a, 15b comprises a set of pads 1a, 1b formed of a first fixing pad 2a, 2b and a second fixing pad 3a, 3b.

[0025] Each stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b comprises a lower fixing surface 4 on the upper free surface 5 of the nail 6. In the embodiments of the invention, this flat surface 4 is of quadrilateral shape, preferably rectangular. Advantageously, the fixing surface 4 is textured, for example with a triangular pattern, or simply corrugated to increase the contact surface with the nail 6 and thus improve the fixing of the stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b on the upper free surface 5 of the nail 6.

[0026] Each stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of studs 1a, 1b, which extends in a first direction called longitudinal, comprises four lateral flat faces which extend from the lower fixing face 4, among which: • Two transverse faces facing each other, and • A longitudinal face called a holding face 7 and an opposite longitudinal face 16.

[0027] Finally, each stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of studs 1a, 1b comprises an upper face 17, preferably convex to limit the quantity of material necessary for the manufacture of said stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and to eliminate any projecting part on the stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and thus avoid any discomfort and risk of injury for the wearer of the set of studs 1a, 1b and ultimately of the device 15a, 15b. This convex wall 17 is clearly visible in Figures 1 to 3.

[0028] According to the invention, each stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of studs 1a, 1b comprises two orifices 10, 11 formed in the retaining wall 7. Preferably, these two orifices 10, 11 are parallel to each other and extend transversely.

[0029] Furthermore, a straight line connecting the centers of the two orifices 10, 11 is parallel to the fixing surface 4 and to the longitudinal axis of the stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. Furthermore, in order to limit the width I of the stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, the diameter of the orifices 10, 11 is between 0.5 and 0.8 mm, and the distance separating the two orifices 10, 11 from the stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b is between 0.5 and 1 mm.

[0030] Furthermore, the width I of the pads 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b is between 2 and 4 mm, and is preferably of the order of 3 mm, while the length L of the pads is between 3 and 5 mm, preferably of the order of 4 mm, and still preferably 4.3 mm. The dimensions of the first and second pads 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b are also identical.

[0031] The set of studs 1a, 1b according to the invention, by the presence of two orifices 10, 11 for each stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, makes it possible to limit the length of said studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, which makes it possible to install the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of studs 1a, 1b on all types of nails 6.

[0032] With reference to Figures 4 to 6, the orthonyxia device 15a, 15b comprises, in addition to the assembly 1a, 1b described above, at least one elastically deformable straightening rod 8, 9 which extends between the two studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the assembly of studs 1a, 1b, from one of the orifices 10, 11 of the first stud 2a, 2b to one of the orifices 10, 11 of the second stud 2a, 2b. The straightening rod 10, 11 is of complementary shape with that of the orifices 10, 11 formed in the fixing studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and advantageously, the rod 8, 9 like the orifices 10, 11 are cylindrical.

[0033] The straightening rod 8, 9 is preferably metallic, and even more preferably made of titanium, to enable a straightening rod 8, 9 to be obtained which is capable of exerting sufficient force for straightening the nail 6 while having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the orifices 10, 11. The straightening rod 8, 9 is thus movable in translation in the orifices 10, 11 of the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.

[0034] To ensure optimal positioning of the straightening rod 8, 9, the first 2a, 2b and second studs 3a, 3b of the assembly 1a, 1b are positioned so that their holding walls 7 are opposite each other. More precisely, the assembly 1a, 1b comprises two pairs of orifices 10, 11 respectively intended to hold two straightening rods 8, 9 in position.

[0035] Each pair of orifices 10, 11 is composed of one of the orifices 10, 11 formed in the holding side wall 7 of the first pad 2a, 2b and one of the orifices 10, 11 formed in the holding side wall 7 of the second pad 3a, 3b, the two orifices 10, 11 of each pair of orifices being located opposite each other when the holding side walls 7 of the first and second pads 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the assembly 1a, 1b are opposite each other.

[0036] Such an arrangement of the set of studs 1a, 1b, shown in Figures 4 and 5, allows the installation of one or two straightening rods 8, 9, the two rods 8, 9 being parallel to each other and thus extending in a direction perpendicular to the holding walls 7 of the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. This makes it possible to generate a more or less significant straightening force depending on the nail and its curvature. In addition, the positioning of the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b in a plane parallel to the fixing surface 4 makes it possible to uniformly distribute the straightening forces exerted by the device 15a, 15b on the nail 6.

[0037] With reference to figures 2 and 4, a set of pads 1a and an orthonyxia device 15a according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0038] The two plots 2a, 3a of the set of plots 1a, although having the same dimensions, are different.

[0039] The first pad 2a comprises two blind orifices 11 while the second pad 3a comprises two through orifices 10. In other words, for each pair of orifices in a set of pads 1a, one of the orifices 11 is blind while the other orifice 10 is through.

[0040] With reference to figures 3 and 5, a set of pads 1 b and an orthonyxia device 15 b according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0041] The two pads 2b, 3b of the set of pads 1b, in this embodiment, are identical and each comprise a blind orifice 11 and a through orifice 10. Like the first embodiment, for each pair of orifices of a set of pads 2b, 3b, one of the orifices 11 is blind while the other orifice 10 is through.

[0042] Whatever the embodiment, when the pads 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of pads 1a, 1b are opposite each other so that the orifices 10, 11 of each pair are opposite each other and the straightening rod(s) 8, 9 are each installed extending between the two orifices 10, 11 of the pair of orifices considered, then the blind orifice 11 of each pair of orifices forms a means for blocking the free end of the rod considered 8, 9 while the through orifice 10 of each pair of orifices forms a means of sliding connection with the corresponding rod 8, 9.

[0043] In this way, the locking means makes it possible to keep the free end of the rod 8, 9 in question immobile to facilitate the exertion of the straightening force on the nail 6, while the sliding connection means makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the straightening rod 8, 9 between the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b of the set of studs while allowing the rod 8, 9 to slide in the through-orifice 10 of the stud 2b, 3a, 3b in question during the progressive straightening of the nail 6, which not only makes it possible to adjust the straightening force as the nail 6 straightens, but also makes it possible to prevent the straightening rod 8, 9 from ending up coming out of the orifices 10, 11 of the studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b on its own and from being lost.

[0044] An orthonyxia kit which comprises a plurality of sets of studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b is also provided.

[0045] In the context of the first embodiment of the set of pads 1a, the first pads 2a comprise two blind orifices 11, while the second pads 2b comprise through orifices 10. The box therefore comprises two separate bags, that is to say a first bag in which the first pads 1a are distributed and a second bag in which the second pads 2a are distributed.

[0046] In the context of the second embodiment of the set of pads 1b, the first pads 2b and the second pads 3b are identical and each comprise a through hole 10 and a blind hole 11. The box therefore comprises a single bag in which the pads 2b, 3b, all identical, are distributed.

[0047] With reference to Figure 6, the invention also relates to a method of installing the set of studs 1a, 1b then the orthonyxia device 15a, 15b on a nail 6.

[0048] During a first step, an assembly 1a, 1b comprising a first fixing pad 2a, 2b and a second fixing pad 3a, 3b is selected.

[0049] During a second step, the fixing surface 4 of the first stud 2a, 2b is glued to the upper free surface 5 of the nail 6, at the level of a lateral edge 13 of said nail 6, that is to say close to a lateral nail fold.

[0050] During a third step, the fixing surface 4 of the second stud 3a, 3b is glued to the upper free surface 5 of the nail 6, at the edge opposite lateral 14 of said nail 6, that is to say near the opposite lateral nail fold.

[0051] The retaining walls 7 of the two pads 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b are further arranged opposite each other, and the opposite orifices 10, 11 of each of the two pairs of orifices are opposite each other.

[0052] During a fourth step, a first elastically deformable straightening rod 8, 9 is placed between the two orifices 10, 11 of one of the pairs of orifices. More precisely, this rod 8, 9 inserted at the level of the longitudinal face 16 opposite the holding face 7 of the stud considered 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and slides through the through orifice 10 of said stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b to the blind orifice 11 opposite the opposite stud 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. Optionally, if a portion of rod protrudes from the through orifice 10 at the level of the opposite longitudinal face 16, this portion of rod can be cut flush with said opposite longitudinal face 16.

[0053] During a fifth and final step, a second straightening rod 8, 9 is placed in the same way between the two orifices 10, 11 of the other pair of orifices of the set of pads 1a, 1b.

[0054] When the straightening rod 8, 9 is not constrained, its radius of curvature is greater than that of the nail 6. In fact, the placement of this rod 8, 9 between the two studs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b deforms it by reducing its radius of curvature. As the deformation of the rod 8, 9 is elastic, the latter tends to return to its original curvature (i.e. when the rod 8, 9 is not constrained) and concomitantly exerts a straightening force on the nail 6 which tends to increase the radius of curvature of said nail 6 and therefore to disembodied it.

[0055] The embodiments described above are in no way limiting, and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the set of first and second pads could comprise at least one pair of orifices, one of the orifices 10 of which is a through orifice, and another pair of orifices, both of which are blind orifices 11. In other words, one of the pads 2a of the set of pads comprises two blind orifices 11 while the other pad 3b of the set of pads comprises a blind orifice 11 and a through orifice 10. According to another variant, the set of pads could comprise at least one pair of orifices, one of which is a through orifice 10, and another pair of orifices, both of which are through orifices 10. In other words, one of the pads 3a of the set of pads comprises two through orifices 10 while the other pad 2b of the set of pads comprises a blind orifice 11 and a through orifice 10. According to yet another variant, all the orifices 10 of the two pads 3a of the set of pads may be through, or all the orifices 11 of the two pads 2a of the set of pads may be blind. Finally, the orifices 10, 11 could extend into the pad 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b along an axis which forms an acute (or obtuse) angle with a transverse axis of the pad 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Set of studs (1 a, 1 b) for an orthonyxia device (15a, 15b), which set comprises a first fixing stud (2a, 2b) and a second fixing stud (3a, 3b), each fixing stud (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) comprising a fixing face (4) on the upper free surface (5) of a nail (6) from which extends a side wall (7) for holding at least one elastically deformable straightening rod (8, 9), characterized in that the side wall (7) for holding each of the studs (2, 3) comprises at least two orifices (10, 11), each orifice (10, 11) being intended to receive the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

2. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has at least two pairs of orifices (10, 11) respectively intended to hold in position two straightening rods (8, 9), each pair of orifices (10, 11) being composed of one of the orifices formed in the lateral holding wall (7) of the first stud (2a, 2b) and one of the orifices formed in the lateral holding wall (7) of the second stud (3a, 3b), the two orifices (10, 11) of each pair of orifices being located opposite each other when the lateral holding walls (7) of the first and second studs (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) of the assembly (1a, 1b) are opposite each other.

3. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one (10) of the two orifices (10, 11) of at least one pair of orifices is through, forming a sliding connection means with the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

4. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one (10) of the two orifices (10, 11) of each pair of orifices is through.

5. Assembly (1a) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each first stud (2a) comprises two blind orifices (11) forming a means for blocking a free end of each of the two straightening rods (8, 9), and in that each second stud (3a) comprises two through orifices (10).

6. Assembly (1 b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first (2 b) and second (3 b) studs are identical and each comprise a through orifice (10) and a blind orifice (11) forming a means for blocking a free end of the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

7. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing face (4) of each stud (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is corrugated and / or textured.

8. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distance separating the orifices (10, 11) of each stud (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is less than 1 millimeter.

9. Assembly (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the length (L) of each stud (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is between 3 and 5 mm, and in that the width (I) of each stud (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is between 2 and 4 mm.

10. Orthonyxia device (15a, 15b) comprising a first fixing stud (2a, 2b) and a second fixing stud (3a, 3b) of the set of studs (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and at least one elastically deformable straightening rod (8, 9) which extends from one of the orifices (10, 11) of the first stud (2a, 2b) to one of the orifices (10, 11) of the second stud (3a, 3b).

11. Device (15a, 15b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the set of studs (1a, 1b) has at least two pairs of orifices (10, 11), each pair of orifices (10, 11) being composed of one of the orifices formed in the lateral holding wall (7) of the first stud (2a, 2b) and one of the orifices formed in the lateral holding wall (7) of the second stud (3a, 3b), the two orifices (10, 11) of each pair of orifices being located opposite each other when the lateral holding walls (7) of the first and second studs (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) of the set (1a, 1b) are opposite each other, and in that the straightening rod (8, 9) extends between the two orifices (10, 11). opposite one of the pairs of holes.

12. Device (15a, 15b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second elastically deformable straightening rod (8, 9) which extends between the two orifices (10, 11) of the other pair of orifices.

13. Device (15a, 15b) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one of the two orifices (10, 11) of at least one pair of orifices is through, forming a sliding connection means with the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

14. Device (15a, 15b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the two orifices (10, 11) of each pair of orifices is through.

15. Device (15a) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each first stud (2a) comprises two blind orifices (11) forming a means for blocking a free end of each of the straightening rods (8, 9), and in that each second stud (3a) comprises two through orifices (10).

16. Device (15b) according to claim 14, characterized in that the first (2b) and second (3b) studs are identical and each comprise a through orifice (10) and a blind orifice (11) forming a means for blocking a free end of the corresponding straightening rod (8, 9).

17. Device (15a, 15b) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the diameter of each orifice (10, 11) of the fixing studs (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is greater than the diameter of the rods (8, 9).

18. Device (15a, 15b) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that each straightening rod (8, 9) is metallic, preferably titanium.

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